Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), has announced his full support for the nationwide traders’ strike scheduled for August 28. Rehman emphasised that the strike is a necessary response to the unbearable conditions created by rising inflation and unjust taxation.
“We fully support tomorrow’s strike by traders across the country,” stated Rehman. “Inflation and unjust taxes have made it impossible for people to live.” The JUI-F leader voiced strong criticism of the current budget, alleging that it was crafted under the influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The IMF-imposed budget has snatched the bread from the people’s mouths,” he asserted.
Rehman also called on JUI-F members to ensure that the strike remains peaceful and effective. “JUI-F business forums across the country should actively participate in this strike,” he urged.
The nationwide shutter-down strike has been called by the Central Organisation of Traders and the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, protesting what they describe as a ‘trader-unfriendly’ scheme and taxes. During a joint press conference, representatives Kashif Chaudhry and Ajmal Baloch rejected the government’s trader-friendly scheme as unworkable and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the anti-trader policies, including the abolition of withholding taxes on essential items like pulses and flour.
The strike is expected to draw significant participation from traders across Pakistan, reflecting growing discontent with economic policies perceived as detrimental to the public and business community.
